myxoedema

myx·e·de·ma

Nonpitting waxy edema of the skin, often most pronounced in the face and shins (pretibial myxedema), owing to subcutaneous deposition of mucoid material in hypothyroidism. Synonym(s): myxoedema.

[myx- + G. oidēma, swelling]

myxoedema

The general effects of severe underactivity of the thyroid gland (HYPOTHYROIDISM). These include dry, yellow, cold, scaly, thickened and coarse skin, scanty hair, loss of the eyebrows, lethargy, marked slowing of body and mind, absence of menstrual periods, accumulation of mucoid deposits in the body, ANGINA PECTORIS, ANAEMIA and HEART FAILURE. A frank PSYCHOSIS with delusions and hallucinations may occur. Death may result from failure to maintain body temperature. Most of these effects can be prevented or reversed by giving thyroid hormone.

myxoedema

the condition occurring in adults due to under-secretion of THYROXINE. There is a decrease of METABOLIC RATE, an increase in subcutaneous fat, a coarsening of the skin and mental and physical sluggishness.

myx·e·de·ma

(miks'ĕ-dē'mă) [MIM*255900]

Hypothyroidism with a relatively hard edema of subcutaneous tissue, with increased content of mucins (proteoglycans) in the interstitial fluid; characterized by somnolence, slow mentation, dryness and loss of hair, increased fluid in body cavities such as the pericardial sac, subnormal temperature, hoarseness, muscle weakness, and slow return of a muscle to the neutral position after a tendon jerk. Synonym(s): myxoedema.

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